The Bronx Republican Party announced Saturday its unanimous endorsement of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's re-election bid, allowing the mayor to run on the GOP party line in November.

Bronx Republican leader Jay Savino said while he and the mayor have had disagreements over issues, he thinks Bloomberg is the best person to lead the city.

"This will be the mayor's third term at a time when quite honestly we need a strong economic presence, somebody to bring the city and the city's budget back from the hard, tough economic times we're enduring at this point," said Savino. "And Mayor Bloomberg will be the best person for that. So that's why I think if anything, this will help strengthen the city, help strengthen my party, help strengthen us as New Yorkers as we move forward."

The mayor's office responded in a statement that Bloomberg made the case on his merits and was thankful for the support. The office also expected the support of the two remaining Republican committees.

City Comptroller Bill Thompson, Bloomberg's main Democratic opponent, said in a statement, "[Bloomberg] is the single-biggest contributor to the state Republican Party. Is it any surprise that he's running as a Republican since he acts as one?"

The mayor ran as a Republican in his first two elections, but later gave up his party affiliation and became an Independent.

He is already set to run on the Independence Party line, which has angered some Republicans.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg could face an opponent in a GOP primary. John Castimitidis is said to be exploring a run. His campaign says he formed a committee in August to run for mayor and that process will continue.